Monthly vs Annual Fire Extinguisher Inspections
By Frank Jones··3 min read
Fire extinguishers need two types of inspections. Mix them up and you'll face violations.
Here's exactly what needs to happen and when.
Monthly Visual Inspections
Who Does Them
Your employees. No special training or certification required.
What to Check
- Extinguisher is in designated location
- Access isn't blocked
- Pressure gauge shows green zone
- Safety pin and tamper seal intact
- No obvious damage or corrosion
- Inspection tag is current
How Long It Takes
30 seconds per extinguisher for a basic visual check.
Documentation Required
- Date of inspection
- Inspector's initials
- Any problems found
- Simple checklist works fine
Common Problems Found
- Blocked access (most common violation)
- Missing safety pins
- Pressure gauge in red zone
- Physical damage from moving equipment
Annual Professional Inspections
Who Does Them
Licensed fire protection technicians only. Your maintenance staff can't do these.
What's Involved
- Complete external examination
- Verify operating instructions are legible
- Check weight (CO2 extinguishers)
- Inspect hose and nozzle assembly
- Update inspection tag with professional's info
Documentation Created
- New inspection tag with date and technician ID
- Service report listing any deficiencies
- Recommended maintenance or replacements
Cost Expectations
- $15-50 per extinguisher for basic inspection
- Additional charges for repairs or recharging
- Volume discounts for large facilities
The Legal Requirements
NFPA 10 Standards
- Monthly visual: Required by property owner/manager
- Annual professional: Required by certified technician
- Both are mandatory for code compliance
OSHA Workplace Requirements
- Employers must ensure inspections happen
- Documentation must be available during audits
- Deficiencies must be corrected promptly
What Happens If You Skip Them
Monthly Inspection Failures
- Fire marshals look for current monthly documentation
- Missing records indicate poor safety management
- Usually results in violation notices
Annual Inspection Violations
- Expired inspection tags (over 13 months old)
- Automatic citation during fire department visits
- Can lead to facility closure in extreme cases
Setting Up Your Inspection System
Monthly Program
- Assign specific employees to different areas
- Create simple checklists
- Set calendar reminders
- Keep records for at least 2 years
Annual Service
- Contract with licensed fire protection company
- Schedule before current tags expire
- Budget for potential repairs or replacements
- Plan for any equipment downtime
Beyond Basic Requirements
Quarterly Maintenance Checks
Some facilities add quarterly inspections:
- Facilities with harsh environments
- High-security locations
- Buildings with expensive equipment
After-Incident Inspections
Inspect immediately after:
- Any extinguisher use (even partial discharge)
- Building renovations near extinguisher locations
- Environmental incidents (flooding, extreme heat)
Red Flags During Inspections
Monthly Warning Signs
- Pressure loss
- Corrosion or rust
- Loose mounting hardware
- Faded or missing labels
Annual Concerns
- Internal pressure problems
- Hose deterioration
- Agent contamination
- Mounting bracket failure
Documentation Best Practices
Keep Records Of
- All monthly inspection logs
- Annual service reports
- Any repairs or replacements
- Training records for inspection staff
Storage Requirements
- Minimum 2 years for monthly records
- Permanent retention for annual service reports
- Digital copies recommended as backup
Professional Service Benefits
Annual professional inspections catch problems monthly checks miss. Technicians have specialized equipment to test internal pressure, agent quality, and mechanical components.
Don't treat inspections as just paperwork. They're your early warning system for equipment that might fail when you need it most.